Homemade Frosting Recipes

Tasteofhome.com Editors

Nothing compares to homemade frosting on a freshly baked cake, cupcake or cookie! Find all of your favorite frostings in this collection of recipes, including buttercream, chocolate, cream cheese and more.

Mom used this sweet frosting for all of our family’s birthday cakes. Now I use it on cakes for our three preschoolers. A big batch keeps for quite a while in the refrigerator and is cheaper than canned frosting. —Barbara Jones of Tower Hill, Illinois

After trying a few buttercream frosting recipes, this easy buttercream frosting takes the cake with its unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors. —Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado

Tip: Quick Cupcakes

To quickly frost cupcakes, place frosting in a bowl. The frosting should be a soft, spreadable consistency. If it is too stiff, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches desired consistency. Dip top of cupcake into the frosting, twist slightly and lift up. – Taste of Home Test Kitchen

I make these moist bars whenever I have ripe bananas on hand, then store them in the freezer to share later at a potluck. With creamy frosting and big banana flavor, this treat is a real crowd-pleaser. —Debbie Knight, Marion, Iowa

Tip: Semi-Homemade Frosting

Don’t have the time to make homemade frosting? Mix a can of store-bought frosting (any flavor) with an 8-ounce container of whipped topping. The result is so soft, creamy and easy to spread that everyone will think you made traditional cooked 7-minute frosting. – Sheila S., Eleanor, West Virginia

I always requested banana cake with fudge frosting for my birthday. Mom’s recipe is attached to my fridge—and my heart. It’s funny how many memories live on in a stained handwritten recipe card. On a more practical note: It's important to make sure the whipped cream cheese is truly at room temperature before you use it. If not, it chills the softened butter and makes for lumpy frosting. —Jeanne Ambrose, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Tip: Smooth It Out

The best way to ensure smooth frosting is to sift the confectioners’ sugar before adding it to the softened butter. Beating with an electric mixer will also help to produce a velvety frosting. – Taste of Home Test Kitchen

This basic buttery frosting has unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors—from orange, lemon and mint to chocolate and peanut butter. —Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado

Tip: Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

I blend an 8-ounce package of cream cheese into a 16-ounce can of prepared frosting. It enhances the flavor, reduces the sweetness and increases the amount of frosting. Try it with any flavor. – Edith B., Peoria, Illinois

Old-fashioned flavor comes through with the molasses, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in these light, fluffy cupcakes. The mocha frosting is a fresh touch that makes them extra special. —Sarah Vaughan, Waterville, Maine

Tip: Tint It!

Tint white frosting with liquid, gel or paste food coloring. Liquid will give a pastel color; gel and paste give a deeper color. Add a little at a time, stir in and check the color. You can always add more, but it’s hard to lighten the color. The color generally darkens as the frosting dries. – Taste of Home Test Kitchen

This creative recipe couldn't be easier — or more impressive! Made from a standard box mix, simply fold in cookie dough and then decorate with the unbeatable ganache frosting. What's not to love!? —Morgan Phillips, Charlottesville, Virginia